1. According to Kant, what is the only
good-in-itself? Why is this so? Is it a necessary condition for happiness?

The good will is the only good without qualification. The good
will is a will that acts for the sake of duty, as a
"good-in-itself."

If the purpose of life were just to achieve happiness, then we would
all seek pleasure and gratification and hope that it would lead to
happiness. The problem is that happiness is not totally within our
power to achieve; to a large extent, happiness is a matter of luck.

2. Does Kant believe that you judge an action by its
consequences? Might I have good will but do evil things through ignorance?

Duty is the necessity of acting out of reverence for universal
law. Moral value is essentially established by the intention of the person
acting.

Ethics, then, is not based on consequences, as it is, for example in
utilitarianism. The consequences of our decisions are beyond our control.

3. Does Kant believe reason is inimical to good choices? Explain his view of the relation between the
good will and reason.

Hypothetical Imperative: a conditional maxim based on relative
means/ends in the everyday world or every-day circumstances. The goal is
not based on pure reason alone but usually upon desires. E.g.,
"If you want to be confident, then study hard."

4. Why is it selfish for a prudent merchant not to overcharge a child? How does he distinguish between an action done for the sake of duty and an action done in accordance with duty?

The class of actions in accordance with duty must be
distinguished from the class of actions performed for the sake of duty.

Kant believes only actions performed for the sake of duty have moral
worth. He seems to suggest that the greater one's disinclination to act
for the sake of duty, the greater the moral worth of the action.

If one performs an action by inclination, then that action has no
moral worth

5. Why according to Kant is there no moral worth in taking delight in helping others? Would it really be of higher moral worth to do one's duty grudgingly?

He seems to suggest that the greater one's disinclination to act for
the sake of duty, the greater the moral worth of the action.

If one performs an action by inclination, then that action has no
moral worth

6. Explain how not keeping a promise cannot be done in accordance with the categorical imperative. How do you think Kant distinguishes between a maxim and a universal law?

Maxim: a particular directive, a subjective principle of
volition (a principle upon which you act). The nature of the maxim upon
which an action is based is the manner in which intentions are expressed.

Categorical Imperative: a rule stating what ought to be done
based upon pure reason alone and not contingent upon sensible desires.
"I am never to act otherwise than to will that my maxim should become
universal law."

7. Explain what it means to make a maxim a universal law? Can you think of an action which is morally correct that cannot be universalized?

Recommended Sources

Kant's
Ethics: Reason and freedom, the duality of the human situation,
duty, and the good will from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.